The idea of creating a scattering ground for ashes came up at the Green Burial Conference last week. It’s an interesting one. A scattering ground is easy to create. It could bring people together, build community and raise awareness and money toward eventually establishing a new green cemetery in or near Ann Arbor. I like it.

Scattering ashes is not regulated as long as you don’t bury them in an urn, build a columbarium or call it a cemetery. The idea of creating a park or nature area for anyone to release the cremated remains of their loved one, ceremoniously or otherwise, appeals to me. I would want it to be protected, peaceful and beautiful and open to everyone.

The practice of cremation is quite common in the US these days for many reasons. (It’s approaching 50% in southeast Michigan.) It costs less than burial, doesn’t take up land and only uses about 20 gallons of fuel. It slows the process of funeral and disposition down by eliminating the need to bury within a few days, thus giving people time to gather.

I would still prefer a green burial for myself if there was a natural burial ground nearby and if all the circumstances worked out (in other words, if I died in Michigan instead of in India or Centroamerica or California, places I frequently travel). But a scattering ground might be a really good option if that wasn’t the case, and for everyone else who might cremate, for one reason or another. The more options there are, the more likelihood that people’s needs will be met.

So how would it look?

It would need to be:

• Protected into perpetuity
• Private, so ceremonies could take place uniterrupted
• Special, sacred, holy, whatever you want to call it
• Beautiful
• Planned and designed
• Cared for

And it would need to have:

• A gathering space for a ceremony or ritual
• A simple, natural place for memorialization, such as a bench or stone wall for engraving
• Signage with an explanation of what the place is for, maybe a map of the features and what they are
• Park-like features, paths, native plants
• Seating
• Parking

There are some administrative concerns.

• How would it be organized?
• Who would own it?
• Where would it be located?
• What would be it’s mission?
• How would people find out about it?
• Where would the money come from to get it started?

Other considerations:

“Cremated ashes are rich in calcium and phosphorus that can affect alkalinity and act as a fertilizer. It depends upon the frequency of the scattering and the sensitivity of the environment as large amounts of ashes scattered in a sensitive environment will, in time, have an impact.” From the Scattering Ashes website in the UK

There is a congregation near Austin that created a park-like setting for events that also includes a scattering ground. They charge a fee and are raising money to expand their facilities. This could provide a model for us to consider.

However we do it, I think it’s important to keep it simple and respectful. People scatter ashes in places that give them meaning. How would we create a meaningful environment without it becoming complicated in any way that would seem exclusive to anyone? If the motivation is to be open and loving, I believe we can overcome any barriers that might arise.

I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Please let me know if you are interested in discussing this further.

Thank you to the following people for consulting with me on this topic:

Jack Goodnoe, landscape architect and cemetery planner

Joe Sehee, Founder, Green Burial Council

Mike Mitchell, former board member, Green Burial Council

Ellen Macdonald, owner, Eloise Woods Community Natural Burial Park